Upgrading Your Notebook

    This chapter provides information about adding hardware devices to your notebook. Topics include:

Adding PC Cards
Replacing the hard drive
Replacing memory

Adding PC Cards

    Your notebook has a PC Card slot (also known as PCMCIA card slot). This slot accepts Type I and II cards.

    You do not need to restart your notebook when changing most cards because your notebook supports hot-swapping. Hot-swapping means that you can insert a PC Card while your notebook is running. If your PC Card does not work after hot-swapping, refer to the PC Card manufacturer's documentation for further information.

HelpSpot

For more information on adding PC Cards, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

To insert a PC Card:

Push the card firmly into the PC Card slot label-side up until the outer edge of the card is flush with the side of the notebook.

       

To remove a PC Card:

    1. Release the eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button once.

    2. Eject the PC Card by pressing the eject button again.

    1. Reset the eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button again.

       

Preventing static electricity discharge

    The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Caution

ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge sensitive components in the computer. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the computer case.

    Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:

Turn off the computer power.
Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of the computer.
Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
Unplug the power cord and modem cable.
Remove the battery.

    Before working with computer components, follow these guidelines:

Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing foam.
Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection.
Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their metal mounting brackets. Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the cards. Never slide expansion cards or components over any surface.

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and modem cable before opening the case.

Replacing the hard drive kit

    If you would like more hard drive capacity, you can replace your original drive with a higher-capacity drive from Gateway. To replace the drive, follow the instructions below.

To replace the hard drive kit:

    1. Shut down your notebook and disconnect the AC power.

    2. Close the LCD panel and turn the notebook over.

    3. Remove the two screws that secure the hard drive kit to the notebook.
    1. Slide the hard drive kit out of the hard drive bay.

    1. Insert the new hard drive kit in the bay until the outer edge of the kit is flush with the side of the notebook.

    2. Replace the two screws to secure the hard drive kit to the notebook.

       

Installing Memory and Replacing the Keyboard

To install memory:

    1. Follow the instructions under "Removing the keyboard".

    2. Follow the instructions under "Replacing the memory".

       

To replace the keyboard:

    1. Follow the instructions under "Removing the keyboard".

    2. Follow the instructions under "Replacing the keyboard".

       

Removing the keyboard

To remove the keyboard:

    1. Follow the instructions under "Adding PC Cards".

    2. Shut down your computer and remove the battery.

    3. Unplug the AC power adapter, then open the LCD panel.

Warning

To avoid injury, disconnect all power supply lines before removing the keyboard. Replace the keyboard before reconnecting power.

    1. Straighten a paper clip and insert it into the small hole in the bezel just above the Ins key.
    1. While pressing the paper clip down with your right hand, use your left hand to slide the bezel 1/8 inch (3.3 mm) to the left and remove the bezel and paper clip.
    1. With a small Phillips screwdriver, remove the four keyboard screws and place them in a safe place. Because the screws may differ in size, make note of which screw came from which hole.
    1. Remove the keyboard by raising the back edge, then slowly sliding it toward the LCD panel and rotating it forward so it lays on the notebook. Be careful to not damage the LCD panel.

    Removing the keyboard exposes the following replaceable components:

       

Replacing the memory

    Your notebook uses memory modules called SO-DIMMs (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules). The modules are available in various capacities and any module can be placed in the memory slot.

To replace the memory module:

    1. Remove the keyboard by following the instructions under "To remove the keyboard:".

    2. Replace the memory module by gently pressing outward on both clips at either end of the memory module until the module tilts upward.

    1. Pull the memory module out of the slot.

    2. Hold the replacement module at a 30-degree angle and slide it into the empty memory slot.

    1. Gently push the module down until it clicks in place.

    2. Rotate the keyboard toward the LCD panel until the keyboard is almost face-up, then insert the front of the keyboard under the palm rest.

    3. Gently press the keyboard down until it is flat all the way across. The keyboard should easily fall into place.

    4. Replace the four keyboard screws.

    5. Lay the bezel back in place so it overhangs the left side of your notebook about 1/8 inch (3.3 mm).

    6. While pressing down on the bezel with your fingers positioned as shown, slide the bezel to the right until it clicks into place.
      The bezel is correctly mounted when each end is flush with the notebook case and the bezel is flat all the way across. If the bezel is not flat, you should follow "Removing the keyboard" to remove the bezel again, then follow Steps 7-8 to replace the bezel.

Warning

If the bezel is not correctly replaced, your notebook could be damaged when you try to close the cover.

       

Replacing the keyboard

To install a new keyboard:

    1. Remove the old keyboard by following the instructions under "To remove the keyboard:".

    2. Disconnect the keyboard by lifting the keyboard connector using two fingers. Be careful to not touch or damage any other components.
    1. Connect the new keyboard by placing it face-down on the notebook, then inserting the keyboard plug into the keyboard connector.

    1. Rotate the keyboard toward the LCD panel until the keyboard is almost face-up, then insert the front of the keyboard under the palm rest.

    2. Gently press the keyboard down until it is flat all the way across. The keyboard should easily fall into place.

    3. Replace the four keyboard screws.

    4. Lay the bezel back in place so it overhangs the left side of your notebook about 1/8 inch (3.3 mm).

    5. While pressing down on the bezel with your fingers positioned as shown, slide the bezel to the right until it clicks into place.
      The bezel is correctly mounted when each end is flush with the notebook case and the bezel is flat all the way across. If the bezel is not flat, you should follow "Removing the keyboard" to remove the bezel again, then follow Steps 7-8 to replace the bezel.

Warning

If the bezel is not correctly replaced, your notebook could be damaged when you try to close the cover.